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day · fixed · Maaseik (Maaseik centrum) BE

Halfvastenoptocht (carnavalsstoet) Maaseik

Mid-Lent carnival parade through Maaseik, kicking off Sunday at 14:11.

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Drive local foot traffic and tourism during Mid-Lent carnival season by positioning Maaseik as a festive destination for families and regional travelers.

Relevance 35medium intent
  • Countdown to the 14:11 parade kickoff—exclusive local vendor spotlights
  • Behind-the-scenes carnival float prep and community costume features
  • Family-friendly carnival weekend guide: food, floats, and photo ops in Maaseik
Programmetypical · 2026 TBC

The Internationale Maaseiker Halfvastenstoet is Belgium's oldest carnival parade, held annually since 1865. Unlike most Limburgian carnivals during Carnival season, this parade takes place at Halfvasten (mid-Lent, on Laetare Sunday) and marks the climax and closure of carnival season in Maaseik. The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators with groups and floats from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

  • Belgium's oldest carnival parade, continuous since 1865
  • 3.5 km route through historic city center of Maaseik
  • International groups from Belgium, Netherlands, and North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Unique tradition: prince wagons decorated with 100,000+ silk-paper roses per wagon, unmatched in Europe
  • Tens of thousands of spectators; candy scattering and gift-giving by advertising caravan
  • Day-long event with preliminary advertising parade (14:11) and main procession (14:33 approx.)